Last night, Harrow came alive with community spirit as over a hundred guests gathered at Headstone Manor’s Great Barn for the annual Harrow’s Heroes awards ceremony.
Organised by the London Borough of Harrow (Harrow Council) year after year, Harrow’s Heroes remains a the biggest annual event of community focus and appreciation.
The event celebrates the exceptional achievements and tireless efforts of volunteers and community groups who make the borough a truly special place to live and work.
In total, 12 awards were presented to those who embody the values of courage, determination, and kindness in Harrow.
Guests in attendance included the Mayor of Harrow, Cllr Ramji Chauhan, local ward Councillors, Harrow Council Managing Director Alex Dewsnap and the Deputy Lieutenant Simon Ovens, who were on hand to present awards to the deserving winners.
One of the highlights of the night was the remarkable double victory by the Harrow Recreation Ground Users Association. They clinched the Team of the Year award and the prestigious Volunteers of the Year awards. The association has been a driving force behind the enjoyment of the park for residents and visitors alike.
Their year-round activities, including summer events, bug hunts for children, gardening, TaiChi sessions, storytelling, and even defibrillator training sessions for volunteers, have brought the community together.
Their dedication has also ensured the upkeep of Harrow Recreation Ground, which has once again earned the coveted Green Flag Status.
Alison Chester of the Harrow Recreation Ground Users Association expressed her gratitude, saying, “It is a great honour to win both the team award and the Volunteer of the Year award.
“This is a testament to the dedication and countless hours put in by volunteers to keep Harrow Recreation Ground looking clean and tidy and ensuring everyone can access facilities and activities that it offers.
“Our parks are the lifeblood of our communities and bring many benefits – including health and wellbeing and bringing people together.
“We will continue to keep our park looking great and ensure families, users, and residents enjoy using them for years to come.”
The Lifetime Achievement award was presented by Cllr Paul Osborn, Leader of the London Borough of Harrow. He commended the tireless efforts of the community, stating, “I do a lot of things as leader of the council, but one of the things I love the most is this night, tonight – this awards ceremony.
“It’s something I’m very proud of.”
He added, “One of things that I’ve tried to do is to instil a sense of pride in Harrow. And the reason that I’m proud of Harrow is because of everyone here tonight. The work that you do, and the work that you’ve done, and for the effort you make, and for the sponsors who’ve made tonight so special – that’s why Harrow is so amazing. Thank you to all of you.”
Cllr David Perry, Leader of the Harrow Labour Group, presented the Good Neighbour award, he said: “This is one of the pinnacle events to come to, we get to hear all of your stories, selfless deeds and hours you put in for others.”
He added, “it is very, very humbling”.
“Thank you on behalf of Labour Group for Harrow Council, thank you for all that you do and continue the hard work.”
Reema Mavani, Franchisee, McDonalds, Harrow and one of the sponsors of the awards said: “Harrow’s Heroes is an incredible opportunity to celebrate those within our local community, who work so hard to make the borough a great place to live. As a local McDonald’s Franchisee and member of the community it was an honour to be one of the sponsors of Harrow’s Heroes and to present the award for the Vulnerable category.
“All nominees, across each category, should be incredibly proud of the hard work they do and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank every one of them. I look forward to continuing working with Harrow Heroes and championing those in our community.”
Cllr Jean Lammiman, Cabinet Member for Community and Culture, expressed her pride and gratitude, saying, “Congratulations to all our nominees, finalists, and winners of this year’s Harrow’s Heroes awards. This is one of my favourite events which showcases how great our borough is, and I am so proud to be a part of this special ceremony.”
She mentioned the importance of recognising ordinary people who go the extra mile to make a difference in the lives of Harrow residents and the wider community. She concluded by saying, “On behalf of the London Borough of Harrow, I’d like to thank all our volunteers for all that they do.”
The 2023 Harrow’s Heroes award winners are as follows:
- Extraordinary Achievement: Ajay Shah and Diven Halai
- Bringing People Together: Courtfield 19
- Supporting Vulnerable People: Erica Fontaine
- Team: Harrow Recreation Ground Users Association
- Lifetime Achievement: Jennifer Youle
- Good Neighbour: Justin Patel
- Pride in Harrow: Peter Davies
- Outstanding Young Person: Tara-Bella Halai
For the full list of winners and further details about the finalists, please visit www.harrow.gov.uk/harrowsheroes.
